Glossary

Psychophysical

The term ‘psychophysical’ was used by FM Alexander in the Alexander technique to refer to both mind and body – to a person’s whole being.

Alexander wrote:

“The term psycho-physical is used … throughout my works to indicate the impossibility of separating ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ operations in our conceptions of the working of the human organism.... In my opinion the two must be considered entirely interdependent, and even more closely knit than is implied by such a phrase.”

Today, the terms ‘mind–body’ or ‘body/mind’ are often used to refer to this same concept.

While still commonly denied in Western culture where we tend to split our selves into pieces and focus on the bits, the self is a working unity and it must be treated as such if we are to regain balance in our lives.

See other glossary terms and definitions.